Three people rescued from ocean near mouth of Ventura Harbor

Two men and a boy were rescued after their inflatable boat capsized Monday night near the mouth of the Ventura Harbor, officials said.

The incident was reported around 6:15 p.m. off Spinnaker Drive. In all, six rescue swimmers were deployed to assist victims, according to Ventura Harbor Patrol officials.

By 7:10 p.m., the three victims — two adults and a 10-year-old boy — had been successfully brought to shore. At least two were taken by ambulance to hospitals with possible hypothermia after being in the cold water for a time, authorities said. All are expected to survive.

Firefighters from the cities of Ventura and Oxnard helped with the rescue effort.

The trio had been out in a small inflatable boat despite a small craft advisory due to strong winds and heavy seas, harbor patrol officials said. Northwest winds were at 15 to 25 knots and seas were at 7 to 8 feet.

The boat's propeller fouled and it lost power to move in the water, authorities said. The wind-blown craft then capsized against the Surfer's Knoll jetty.

The small craft advisory will remain in effect until Tuesday afternoon. Small boaters are advised to check the weather prior to any departure or contact the harbor patrol for information. The Ventura Harbor Patrol can be reached at 805-642-8618.